Aerosol deflecting dental shield and containment device

ABSTRACT

An aerosol deflecting dental shield and containment device having a cylindrical base with a lower free end and with a base sidewall having an inner surface enclosing and defining a base channel base channel defining a base channel diameter and with an HVE adapted to be inserted therein. The device also includes a circular base platform radially extending outwardly from the base channel, a deflecting member coupled to the circular base platform, with an outer surface opposing the lower free end, of an elastic polymeric material, defining an intake aperture fluidly coupled to the base channel, and defining a deflection diameter of a length at least twice a length of the base channel diameter, and a cantilevered tooth rest member projecting from the outer surface of the deflecting member, having a spherical apex disposed at a distal end thereon, and of an elastic polymeric material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dental attachments andaccessories and, more particularly, relates to an aerosol deflectingdental shield and containment device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Select dental instruments such as, by way of example and withoutlimitation, ultra-sonic scaling instruments designed to remove stains,hardened calculus deposits, and plaque produce and emit an aerosol mistwhen used which often escapes the patient's oral cavity and permeatesthe air within the dental room or office. Particularly in the wake ofthe COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety concerns posed by escapingaerosols are alarmingly high for dental hygienists, dental assistants,and dentists. More specifically, escaping aerosols from a patient's oralcavity may carry pathogens or particulates that can infect dental staffand proliferate the spread of bacteria and viruses. Because ultra-sonicscaling instruments vibrate at thousands of cycles per second, theygenerate heat, so a stream of water is necessary to cool the instrument.The vibration causes the cooling stream of water to form an aerosolmist. Existing prior art, namely, high- and low-volume evacuationequipment, are characterized by severe limitations which fail to providedental staff (primarily, dental hygienists) with a feasible andpracticable solution to the problem. To effectively suction saliva andexcess water from a patient's oral cavity, the openings at the tip oflow-volume evacuation equipment must be submerged in the liquid, i.e.,the saliva or excess water. As such, low-volume evacuation equipment(also commonly referred to as saliva ejectors) effectively removespooled liquids but does not effectively capture and suction aerosolsescaping from an oral cavity. Due to its small diameter, low-volumeevacuation equipment does not have the ability to move enough air volumeto be effective in eliminating aerosols. Although high-volume evacuationequipment can effectively capture and collect aerosols when deployednext to the cavitron tip, the tips are generally stiff and sharp, andthe suction is quite high which means that high-volume evacuationequipment generally must be controlled by either a dental hygienist ordental auxiliary. This type of suctioning is not easy for a dentalhygienist to handle independently while simultaneously managing otheressential hygiene instruments. Further, heightened care and diligencemust be exercised when handling high-volume evacuation equipment becausedelicate and loose unattached gingival tissue can be vacuumed into thetip of the high-volume evacuation equipment with potential injury anddiscomfort resulting to the patient. In view of the foregoing, there areextensive limitations associated with the existing prior art which failto safely, effectively, and efficiently capture and evacuate aerosolsbefore the aerosols escape the patient's oral cavity. While there areother devices promoted for the elimination or reduction of aerosols,they are generally utilized farther away from the point of aerosolgeneration, thereby increasing the risk that bacterial or viralparticulates will reach a dental staff member or third party. Additionallimitations of such devices include generating noise pollution, takingup valuable real estate within a dental office, interfering with accessto the oral cavity, and involving a high financial expense. There areseveral intra oral devices that hold a dental mirror for visualizationand also have vacuum ports to primarily eliminate liquids from the floorof the mouth though they are not as effective at doing so as astandalone Intra-oral high-volume evacuation equipment (“HVE”) tip.There are also tongue and cheek retractors that are similarly beingtouted as the solution for aerosols because they are connected to a HVEhose but the problem is that the diameter of the HVE hose has beenreduced significantly and the amount of air being moved is so restrictedthat they are not as effective as HVE tips.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an aerosol deflecting dental shield andcontainment device and improvement relative to HVE devices thatovercomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of theheretofore-known devices and methods. Specifically, the devicefacilitates more effective reduction of aerosol exposure within a dentaloffice and to better protect the health and safety of dental hygienists,dental assistants, dentists, and patients alike, the present inventionprovides an aerosol deflecting dental shield and containment device thatovercomes the heretofore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-knowndevices and methods of this general type and that helps capture andcollect aerosols released in or near an oral cavity while serving as aprotective barrier to prevent a patient's tongue from coming into directcontact with dental drills and other tools during dental treatments andprocedure.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, inaccordance with the invention and in combination with a HVE tip coupledto an evacuator vacuum-inducing assembly, an improvement that includes abase having a lower free end and having a base sidewall enclosing anddefining a base channel and with the HVE tip disposed therein andcoupled to the base sidewall, a base platform radially extendingoutwardly from the base channel and having an upper surface, deflectingmember rotatably coupled to the base platform, having an upper surface,having a lower surface opposing the upper surface of the deflectingmember and coupled to the upper surface of the base platform in arecess-protrusion configuration to resist rotation movement of thedeflecting member relative to the base platform, defining at least oneintake aperture fluidly coupled to the base channel, and operablyconfigured to rotate at least 180° relative to the base platform, andhaving a cantilevered tooth rest member projecting from the uppersurface of the deflecting member.

In accordance with one feature, an embodiment of the present inventionalso includes the deflecting member having a locking member extendingdownwardly away from the lower surface of the deflecting member,disposed in the base channel, and having a radial locking flange coupledto the base sidewall.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thedeflecting member is operably configured to rotate 360° relative to thebase platform.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, thebase and base platform are of a monolithic structure and the baseplatform is circular.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes at least one raised protuberance extending fromthe upper surface of the base platform and at least one recess definedon the lower surface of the deflecting member, wherein the at least oneraised protuberance and the at least one recess are coupled together inthe recess-protrusion configuration to resist rotation movement of thedeflecting member.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the atleast one raised protuberance defines a plurality of internal airchannels radially spanning inwardly toward the base channel and fromouter edges of the base platform and the deflecting member,respectively, wherein the plurality of internal air channels are fluidlycoupled to base channel.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes a plurality of raised protuberances extendingfrom the upper surface of the base platform and a plurality of recessesdefined on the lower surface of the deflecting member, wherein theplurality of raised protuberances and the plurality of recesses arecoupled together in the recess-protrusion configuration to resistrotation movement of the deflecting member and are of a correspondingshape.

In accordance with an exemplary feature of the present invention, thedeflecting member is of an elastic polymeric material.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes a base channel diameter defined by the basechannel and a deflection diameter defined by outer edges of thedeflecting member, wherein the deflection diameter is at least twice thebase channel diameter.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes the cantilevered tooth rest member having aspherical apex disposed at a distal end thereon and of an elasticpolymeric material.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes the cantilevered tooth rest member defines anejector channel extending from the spherical apex and fluidly coupled tothe base channel.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes a plurality of internal air channels defined theupper surface of the base platform and the lower surface of thedeflecting member, radially spanning inwardly toward the base channeland from outer edges of the base platform and the deflecting member,respectively, and each fluidly coupled to base channel.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes the cylindrical base has a protuberance disposedon an inner surface of the base sidewall that defines the base channel,wherein the protuberance is disposed in an aperture of the HVE tip andis sized and shaped to retain the cylindrical base to the HVE tip.

The present invention also discloses an aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device having a base having a lower free end and havinga base sidewall enclosing and defining a base channel, a base platformradially extending outwardly from the base channel and having an uppersurface, a deflecting member rotatably coupled to the base platform,having an upper surface, having a lower surface opposing the uppersurface of the deflecting member, defining at least one intake aperturefluidly coupled to the base channel, and operably configured to rotateat least 360° relative to the base platform, a plurality of internal airchannels defined the upper surface of the base platform and the lowersurface of the deflecting member, radially spanning inwardly toward thebase channel and from outer edges of the base platform and thedeflecting member, respectively, and each fluidly coupled to basechannel, and a cantilevered tooth rest member projecting from the uppersurface of the deflecting member.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin an aerosol deflecting dental shield and containment device, it is,nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown becausevarious modifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term“providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g.,bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/orsupplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at onceor over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, theterms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention asoriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting anyfeature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may bechanged based on the user's perspective of the device. Furthermore,there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theorypresented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary orthe following detailed description. As used herein, the term “wall” isintended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as,separate structures that are coupled together so as to form asubstantially continuous external surface.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document,the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a directioncorresponding to an elongated direction of the HVE tip or the connectingsupport member of the protruding tooth member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol deflecting dental shield andcontainment device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational front view of an aerosol deflecting dentalshield and containment device in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is another elevational front view of an aerosol deflecting dentalshield and containment device in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of an HVE tip and top plan views of adeflecting member and circular base platform upon which the deflectingmember may rotate in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device attached to an HVE tip in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts perspective views of an aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device utilized in connection an exemplary diagram of apatient's teeth in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 8-9 are elevational views of an aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 10-11 are side and rear cross-sectional and elevational views,respectively, of an aerosol deflecting dental shield and containmentdevice in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12-13 are front cross-sectional and elevational views,respectively, of an aerosol deflecting dental shield and containmentdevice in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a deflecting member, cantilevered toothrest member, and circular base of an aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 15-16 are elevational transparent views of the deflecting member,the cantilevered tooth rest member, and the circular base of an aerosoldeflecting dental shield and containment device of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an aerosol deflecting dental shield andcontainment device in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is another exploded view of the aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 is another exploded view of the aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary elevational side view of the aerosol deflectingdental shield and containment device in FIG. 17 and in an assembledconfiguration; and

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol deflecting dentalshield and containment device in FIG. 17 and in an assembledconfiguration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The initial direction of flow of aerosols and liquids is influenced bythe orientation of the source from which they are being generated. Thetip of a cavitron, the air water spray from a dental drill, an evacuatorvacuum-inducing assembly, and/or the spray from a three-way syringe arethe primary sources discussed herein. All of these sources generateaerosols which drift into the reaches of the oral cavity where they cancombine with its contents, including bacteria, viruses, or any debriswhich resides there. Generally, these laden liquids and aerosols couldonly previously be eliminated from the oral cavity by swallowing them,vacuuming them, or allowing them to drift through open lips into theenvironment. The lips and cheeks provide nature's primary containmentshield that prevents the escape of liquids and aerosols into theenvironment. However, when lips are parted as during a dental procedure,liquids and aerosols have a significant route of escape. Laden liquidsare denser than aerosols and they tend to flow in a stream or dropletswith greater velocity. Their trajectory is more directly influenced bygravity, allowing them to fall back into the oral cavity, and are morereadily eliminated by swallowing and vacuuming. However, a plume ofaerosol is much less dense and flows like a cloud with less velocity,and the trajectory is more random. Aerosols are still influenced by thesame gravity, but they become entrained with other air currents and candrift to great distances from their point of origination. By itself, theHVE's ability to entrain air, liquids and aerosols not only diminisheswith greater distance from the generation point but also with thedistance that these materials are peripheral to the long axis of the 10mm aperture.

When a plume of aerosol is observed, it moves away from its point ofgeneration in the shape of a rapidly expanding cone. When the plume isapproached by a HVE tube it moves toward the vacuum and is eliminatedalmost entirely if the generation point and the HVE tip coincide.However, by the nature of many dental procedures, this is not possible.Often there is a tooth interposed between the generation point and theopen tip of the HVE. The greater the distance between the two, the lesseffective the HVE is in eliminating the aerosol plume and liquids. Whenthe HVE is observed, with its 10 mm aperture, slowly retreating from aplume of aerosol it appears to most effectively vacuum only the centerportion of the aerosol cone, leaving the peripheral edges of the cloudrelatively undisturbed and free to diffuse out of the oral cavity. Whenthe aperture is moved toward the plume it eliminates not only thecentral portion of the plume, but also eliminates much of the peripheralportion of the plume before it can expand and potentially escape theoral cavity. In lieu of the opportunity to routinely position the HVEtip directly at the point of constant aerosol generation, the additionalplacement of a shield oriented 45 degrees to the long axis of the HVEbore greatly minimizes the escape of aerosols from the oral cavity. Theshield slows and deflects the periphery of the plume that the HVE wasnot able to fully capture. Often there will be dentition interposedbetween the generation point and the face of the device. The key is toclosely position the face of the device, mounted on the tip of the HVE,tangent to the direction of flow from the generation point. The HVE byitself, will in a large part eliminate the central portion of the plume;but it may not be totally effective in eliminating the entire plume. Thepresent invention by itself will deflect and slow the diffusion ofaerosols from the oral cavity. However, the plume by its ongoing natureand ever-expanding cloud may, in time, extend beyond the periphery ofthe face of the device. Although the face and HVE combined are moreeffective than each of these components standing alone, an even greatersynergistic effect is possible.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient aerosol deflectingdental shield and containment device 100 (hereinafter referred to as“device 100” for brevity). Embodiments of the invention provide a device100 that significantly reduces the quantity of aerosols released intothe air from a dental patient's oral cavity during treatment and, inparticular, during dental procedures, cleanings, and treatments. Inparticular, dental professionals in the industry face significant healthand safety concerns stemming from the release and escape of aerosolsfrom a patient's oral cavity during dental treatments. Because dentalhygienists, dental assistants, and dentists must be in relatively closeproximity to a patient's open oral cavity during dental procedures andtreatments, the foregoing dental professionals face an acute risk ofinfection from viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that can quicklyand easily travel from a patient's oral cavity to the dentalprofessionals' nasal or oral cavities. Particularly in the wake of theCOVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of dental professionals, aswell as the safety deficiencies of existing dental tools and equipment,has gained greater care and attention.

Existing prior art is characterized by extensive limitations which donot adequately meet the health and safety concerns of dentalprofessionals and/or that do not pose a feasible and practical optionfor dental professionals in their day-to-day duties. Low-volumeevacuation equipment must be submerged in the liquid, e.g., saliva orexcess water, to effectively suction and collect the liquid. Because theaerosols generated by ultra-sonic scaling instruments and other dentalequipment are in the form of minute solid particles or liquid dropletsappearing as a fine spray or gas, low-volume evacuation equipmentgenerally fails to capture and collect aerosols. Said differently, alow-volume evacuation tool is typically not the appropriate tool toutilize in attempting to capture escaping aerosols.

HVE more effectively captures and collects escaping aerosols, but itsuse has significant drawbacks which makes this an impractical,unfeasible, and inconvenient option for dental professionals.Specifically, HVE generally must be controlled by either a dentalhygienist or dental auxiliary as it requires some skill to safely andeffectively suction with, and control, an HVE tip. Dental hygienistsmust carefully maneuver HVE systems while simultaneously managing otheressential hygiene instruments within the patient's oral cavity.Accordingly, intra-oral, HVE systems take up valuable real estate in thedental professional's hands, which real estate could be used forhandling other required dental tools or equipment. Further, heightenedcare and diligence must be exercised when handling HVE systems becausedelicate and loose unattached gingival tissue may be vacuumed into thetip of the HVE equipment or loose gingival tissue may be cut or scrapedon the tips of the HVE which are generally stiff and sharp, withpotential injury and discomfort resulting to the patient. As a result ofthe foregoing, it is not recommended for HVE equipment to be maneuveredby the patients themselves and, unlike low volume saliva ejectors whichare merely bent into a hook and hung in the corner of patients' cheeks,such equipment may not be gently propped within the patient's oralcavity and left unmanned.

Personal protective equipment (“PPE”) such as dental face masks,goggles, and face shields do not fully preclude the risk ofcontamination or infection from aerosols and may be bulky, heavy, oruncomfortable to wear while providing dental care to patients. Thepresent invention is not intended as a substitute for PPE; however; PPEis still necessary and offers an additional, if not primary, layer ofprotection. Other potential options for reducing or eliminating aerosolsinclude extra-oral high-volume evacuation equipment such as stand-alonechairside air extraction devices which are not only costly and noisy,but also take up a significant amount of space within a dental office.Further, stand-alone chairside air extraction devices may reduceaerosols that have already escaped the patient's oral cavity but do notcapture the aerosol close to the point of generation, i.e., thepatient's mouth. Because aerosols are more effectively captured close tothe point of generation, the ideal solution is a tool that can be usedwithin the patient's oral cavity while remaining both feasible andpractical to handle.

The device 100 depicted in FIG. 1 functions as an efficient, feasible,and practical alternative to existing prior art for the capture andcollection of aerosols generated by dental tools and equipment. Thedevice 100 is operably configured and designed to be used as an adjunctto traditional HVE tips (best depicted and exemplified in FIG. 1 andFIG. 4 with numeral 134) to beneficially utilize the high-volumeevacuation and suctioning capabilities offered by HVE systems. Asinterchangeably referenced herein, “HVE equipment” or “HVE tip” refersto a heavy-duty hose about 15-19 mm in diameter, that is fitted with anon/off valve that also receives a standard 12-13 mm plastic tube with a10 mm internal diameter and providing approximately 10 bar vacuum at itstip. The structure and design of the device 100 helps allay the majorityof the shortcomings associated with HVE equipment such as, withoutlimitation, the stiff and sharp HVE tips. Further, the tooth rest membermakes the device easier to stabilize in the patient's mouth by thehygienist, the dental assistant, the dentist and perhaps even thepatient themselves. Additionally, the plurality of apertures disposed onthe device is spread out over a larger area, as opposed to thetraditional HVE tip; therefore, the soft tissues (unattached gingiva)are far less at risk of being suctioned and injured, and perhaps evensafe enough to allow the patient to maneuver independently.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 11 , the device 100 comprises a substantiallycylindrical base 102 having an upper end 104, a lower free end 106opposing the upper end 104, a base sidewall 108 separating the upper end104 and lower free end 106, the base sidewall 108 defining a basechannel 132 and having at least one protuberance 1100 disposed on aninner surface of the base sidewall 108, and a base platform 120 orflange member relative to the outer diameter of the base sidewall 108.The upper end 104 of the base 102 defines an internal aperture that isfluidly coupled to one or more internal air channels or intake apertures118 defined by the base platform 120. Said another way, the baseplatform 120, which may also serve as a deflecting member 110 forblocking aerosols, may define a plurality of apertures on an outersurface 116 thereon that form or enable a conduit for suction ofaerosols proximal to the outer surface 116 through the device 100 and toa HVE tip 134.

In one embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 14-16 , the device may includea base 1402 attached to a HVE tip 134 and a base platform 1404 defininga plurality of internal air channels 1406 a-n, wherein “n” refers to anynumber greater than one, disposed thereon. The device may also include aseparate deflecting member 1408 that is selectively couplable anduncouplable to the base platform 1404 and defines the outer surface andthe apertures 1410 a-n that intake aerosols through the device and intothe HVE tip 134. When formed as separate components, the deflectingmember 1408 may be coupled to the base platform 1404 with formedC-shaped edges sized to contour the outer side edges of the baseplatform 1404 and be retained thereon with the apertures 1410 a-ndisposed in an overlapping configuration with the internal air channels1406 a-n. The deflecting member 1408 may also be selectively rotatablerelative to the base platform 1404. In other embodiments, the baseplatform, deflecting member, and/or base are formed as a singlemonolithic unitary structure.

Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 , in combination with FIGS. 2-5 ,the lower free end 106 and base channel 132 defined by the base 102provide the structure to receive the HVE tip 134. The lower end 106 is“free” in that it is not permanently and structurally attached to anycorresponding structure, i.e., it is operably configured to receive andcouple with the upper end or portion of the HVE tip 134. To utilize thedevice 100, a user must exert a force (e.g., 1 lbf) onto the HVE tip 134or device 100 sufficient to slip the HVE tip 134 into the base channel132 and lock or otherwise retain the device 100 in place by juxtaposingthe protuberance 1100 of the substantially cylindrical base 102 onto theside vent 400 of the HVE tip 134 (as best seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 11 ).The protuberance 1100 of the substantially cylindrical base 102 entersand blocks the side vent 400 of the HVE tip 134. In further embodiments,the elasticity of the material of the base 102 allows for the base 102to be expanded and generate a compression force on the HVE tip 134. In apreferred embodiment, the protuberance 1100 of the substantiallycylindrical base 102 has a size, shape, and dimensions that areproportionate to the side vent 400 of the HVE tip 134 to facilitate aflush configuration between the inner surface of the base 102 and theouter surface of the HVE tip 134 when the protuberance 1100 enters theside vent 400 of the HVE tip 134. In an exemplary embodiment, thesubstantially cylindrical base 102 is of a transparent or translucentpolyurethane composition measuring approximately 60° Shore A on theDurometer Shore Hardness Scale or of another comparable polymericcomposition (e.g., nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber,polypropylene, etc.) with similar rigidity and toughness properties.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, thedevice 100 further comprises a deflecting member 110 may include anupper wall 112 or outermost surface 116 that is raised relative to asurface 114, and one or more aperture(s) 118 a-n defined by the upperwall 112 or on the outer surface 116. In one embodiment, one of theapertures 118 is centrally located the upper wall 112 or outer surface116. Said another way, the central aperture 118 is located (at leastpartially, but preferably, concentrically) on the geometric center ofthe outer surface 116 that is defined by the outer edge 122. The device100 also beneficially includes a protruding tooth rest member 124 with aspherical apex 126 and a connecting support member 128 with a memberlength 130 separating the spherical apex 126 and upper wall 112 of thedeflecting member 110. The upper wall 112 and outer surface 116 of thedeflecting member 110 face outwardly away from the device 100 and maycome into direct physical contact with a patient's tooth, gingivaltissue, or oral cavity during use. The deflecting member 110 may alsobeneficially define a plurality of circular or acuate recesses 119 thatspan radially and inwardly from an outer edge of the base platform 120toward the central aperture 118, thereby providing a resting surface forone or more of a user's teeth while still providing an aerosol barrierwith the base platform 120. To that end, the outer surface 116 definesthe arcuate portions of the deflecting member 110 are preferably raisedapproximately 5-17 mm above the outer surface of the base platform. Theouter surface 116 of the upper wall 112 may also be formed of a concaveshape to facilitate in transporting aerosols to the aperture(s) 118.Said another way, the outer surface 116 of the deflecting member 110 isoffset a longitudinal length from the upper surface of the cylindricalbase 120. The deflecting member 110 has an outer edge 122 defining aplurality of arcuate depressions 119 disposed around a periphery of theouter edge 112, wherein the upper surface 114 of the cylindrical base120 is exposed by said arcuate depression 119, thereby enabling teeth ofa user to be inserted therein and rest on either or both the outer edge112 and the upper surface 114.

Although the device 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-13 depicts a single aperture118, a plurality of apertures 118 a-n may be defined by the deflectingmember 110 and that are operably configured to receive the flow ofliquid and aerosols being suctioned or vacuumed from within thepatient's oral cavity. In various embodiments, the plurality ofapertures 118 a-n may vary in diameter between approximately 1-3.5 mm soas to be wide enough to effectively suction and capture releasedaerosols while remaining proportionately sized relative to the overallsize and diameter of the device 100. The device 100 has an outsidediameter ranging approximately between 12-26 mm and an inside diameterranging approximately between 10-15 mm. During use, the high suctionfrom the HVE system and HVE tip 134 draws the released aerosols into theaperture(s) 118 a-n, where the aerosols then enter the base channel 132and HVE tip 134 and are collected within the HVE system. By creating aseries of internal channels within the device 100, via the plurality ofapertures 118 a-n and the plurality of internal air channels 1104 a-n,which independently lead to the centrally located HVE tip aperture, amore effective level of aerosol elimination is achieved. Additionally,with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the baseplatform 120 radially extends from the base sidewall 108 and in adirection outwardly from the base channel 132. Further, the 112 upperwall and the upper surface of the base platform 120 can be seencollectively defining the plurality of apertures 118 a-n around thedeflecting member 110 and the internal air channels (like those depictedin FIG. 11 ). Each of the internal channels span inwardly from theplurality of apertures 118 a-n, respectively, in a direction toward thebase channel and are fluidly coupled to the base channel 132.

The base platform 120 and deflecting member 110 function as a deflectingshield to significantly prevent aerosols from escaping the patient'soral cavity and to restrict the free movement of aerosols to a proximitynear the point of aerosol generation. In one embodiment, the deflectingmember 110 may be substantially convex or planar. In an alternateembodiment, the deflecting member 110 may be substantially concave.Depending on how the device 100 is used, e.g., the dental tools beingutilized, the type of liquid or aerosol being generated, etc., theplanar, convex, and concave forms of the deflecting member 110 may moreeffectively reduce the quantity of aerosols escaping from the oralcavity than other alternate forms. In a preferred embodiment, thediameter 202 of the deflecting member 110 ranges between approximately20-30 mm. By increasing the diameter 202 of the deflecting member 110 toapproximately double or triple the diameter of the HVE tip 134, thedeflecting member 110 can effectively reduce the aerosols as well as, orbetter than, the HVE system standing alone, while being placed at areasonable distance from the point of aerosol generation. The widediameter 202 of the deflecting member 110 serves the dual function ofdeflecting aerosols and reducing their unfettered permeation into theremainder of the dental office while also functioning as a protectivebarrier to prevent a patient's tongue from coming into close proximityor physical contact with the dental drill or other tool being used onthe patient's teeth.

Traditionally, dental assistants have had to use one hand to maneuverthe HVE tip 134 to evacuate liquids and aerosols while using the otherto support a mirror to retract and protect soft issue within the oralcavity. The device 100 combines both capabilities into one tool therebysignificantly improving upon existing prior art in the dental field.Said differently, the device 100 enables a dental auxiliary toeffectively evacuate aerosols and protect a patient's tongue while alsoproviding a mechanism to better protect the health and safety of dentalstaff. The dental assistant can stabilize the device 100 by using thetooth rest member 124 to support the device 100, thus allowing for aone-handed operation. Instead of something sharp which cannotcomfortably rest against delicate tissue, the device 100 provides a softplastic and/or elastomeric alternative, i.e., rubber tooth rest to reston either teeth or other firm tissue adjacent to the teeth. This toothrest could also offer enough stability that some patients may be able toaid the hygienist by holding the HVE tube in their hand and supportingthe device 100 via the tooth rest member 124 as directed by thehygienist. In this way the hygienist has great aerosol evacuation andhas both hands free to operate both the ultrasonic scalar and mouthmirror. This also may allow the ultrasonic procedure to be carried outwithout needing an additional dental auxiliary to vacuum with a HVE tip,as the patient can do it instead. Also, since the vacuum is spread outover such a wider area, there is less danger of sucking up delicatetissue if perhaps the patient were to close their lips around the device100.

In one exemplary embodiment, the deflecting member 110 is of atransparent or translucent silicone rubber composition, i.e., anelastomeric, polymerized silicone or polysiloxane composition, measuringapproximately 40° Shore A on the Durometer Shore Hardness Scale. Thetransparent or translucent quality of the deflecting member 110 allowsdental hygienists, dental assistants, and dentists to maintain a clearline of sight to dental tools or equipment being used in the oral cavityas well as to a patient's teeth, tongue, and gingival tissue, as neededduring dental procedures and treatments. The polysiloxane compositionand Shore Hardness Value of the deflecting member 110 are significant inthat they ensure the deflecting member 110 is soft enough that it cannoteasily injure loose or soft gingival tissue in the oral cavity the waythat the traditionally rough HVE tips 134 do. Further, the siliconerubber composition allows a user to slip the device 100 more easily overthe HVE tip 134 and to snugly position the device 100 into place. Thiscomposition ensures the device 100 remains in position on the HVE tip134 without substantial movement therefrom. The diameter of the outersurface 116 of the deflecting member 110 ranges between approximately25-30 mm in exemplary embodiments, though the area may be vary inalternate embodiments.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, theprotruding tooth rest member 124 comprises the spherical apex 126 andthe connecting support member 128. The spherical apex 126 functions as atooth rest for dental professionals, whereby the spherical apex 126 canbe propped on a patient's tooth, thereby supporting and propping up theentire device 100 within the patient's oral cavity. This functionalitybeneficially provides dental professionals with the opportunity to freeup one of their hands to use another dental tool or to grab another itemthey may need during a dental procedure or treatment, facilitatingreduced arm fatigue and added stability. Notably, the form andcomposition of the spherical apex 126 makes this functionality possiblebecause the silicone rubber composition of the spherical apex 126 allowsthe device 100 to gently sit in a patient's oral cavity (or to behandled or held by a patient) without roughly suctioning loose gingivaltissue or otherwise scraping or injuring the soft tissue within apatient's mouth.

In one embodiment, and as best depicted in seen in FIG. 3 , an ejectorchannel 300 is disposed within the spherical apex 126 and the connectingsupport member 128 of the protruding tooth rest member 124. The ejectorchannel 300 being interconnected with the base channel 132 and operablyconfigured to receive the suctioned liquid from the oral cavity. Saiddifferently, suctioned liquid may be received by the ejector channel 300in the spherical apex 126, fluidly transported to the ejector channel300 in the connecting support member 128 and egressed via the basechannel 132 of the substantially cylindrical base 102. The suctioningpower provided by the ejector channel 300 of the spherical apex 126 islargely equivalent or comparable to that of low-volume evacuationequipment, meaning the spherical apex 126 may be used as a standardsaliva ejector with low volume suctioning. The low volume suctioningprovided by the ejector channel 300 of the spherical apex 126 canbeneficially capture and collect pooling liquids, e.g., saliva, from anoral cavity but has insufficient suctioning capabilities to capture andcollect aerosols therefrom. The one or more intake aperture(s) 118disposed on the periphery of the upper wall 112 of the deflecting member110 redistribute the air flow from the HVE tip 134 over a wider area andeliminate the aerosols into the HVE. The cantilevered tooth rest member124 can be seen projecting from the outer surface 116 of the deflectingmember 110, having a spherical apex disposed at a distal end thereon.

Over time, saliva and water pool toward the soft palate and must beeliminated for the patient's comfort. Traditionally, this is either donewith an HVE tip or a low volume suction. The hollow tooth rest member124, however, allows for comfortable suctioning against the soft palate.In preferred embodiments, the diameter of the ejector channel 300 rangesbetween approximately 4-8 mm. The tooth rest member 124 may allow thepatient to hand hold the device independently under the direction of thehygienist for the purpose of eliminating aerosols and vacuuming salivaand debris. The tooth rest member 124 offers the dental assistant theability to do the same functions while also providing a way to balancethe device 100 with greater stability than the traditional HVE device.Additionally, it gives better stability in shielding the wanderingtongue from the dental drill in certain procedures. Due to the hollowdesign, the tooth rest member 124 also provides a means to suctionsaliva and water from the back of the oral cavity where the tongue andsoft palate meet.

In one embodiment, the connecting support member 128 forms an obtuseangle relative to a majority of the outer surface 116 of the deflectingmember 110, thereby enabling the device 100 to reach deeper areas of theoral cavity and to facilitate greater maneuverability of the device 100within the oral cavity. Said differently, the connecting support member128 extends outwardly from the outer surface 116 of the deflectingmember 110 in an orientation and direction away from the where thecentral aperture 118 is located (seen, for example, in FIG. 7 ). Theconnecting support member 128 may also extend in substantially the samedirection and orientation as the longitudinal direction HVE tip 124and/or cylindrical base 102.

In accordance with one embodiment, the base platform 120 isproportionately sized and shaped to receive a portion of the upper wall112 of the deflecting member 110. Said another way, the deflectingmember 110 is rotatably coupled to the circular base platform and isoperably configured to independent rotate (exemplified with arrow 1200in FIG. 12 ) at least 180° relative to the circular base platform 120.In preferred embodiments, the deflecting member 110 rotates 180° to 360°on an axis which allows for greater ease of use by dental professionalsand for greater comfort when the device 100 is propped inside apatient's oral cavity. Specifically, a 360° rotational capability allowsthe protruding tooth rest member 124 to be positioned such that theentirety of the deflective member 110 is in the most advantageousposition, depending on the location of where the aerosol is beinggenerated in the oral cavity, to suction and vacuum all or substantiallyall of the aerosols being generated at the point of generation. Thetooth rest member 124 may be operably positioned to support the device100 steadily in the location it is needed, close to the aerosolgeneration point, and in doing so the tooth rest member 124 steadilysupports the deflecting member 110 so the one or more aperture(s) 118are best exposed to the proximity of the aerosol generation point. Asbest seen in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 , the deflecting member 110 includes atleast one flange (e.g., flanges 1202, 1412) directly and rotatablycoupled to the circular base platform 120 and operably configured tolongitudinally retain (absent an external force of approximately 1-3lbf) the deflecting member 110 relative to the circular base 120.

The deflecting member 110 and the upper end 104 of the cylindrical base102 may form a angle with the base sidewall 108. In alternateembodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 10-11 , the deflecting member 110may be operably configured to form a 45° angle relative to thelongitudinal direction or axis of the base 102 and/or HVE tip 134. Thesubstantial 45° angle (+/−10°) beneficially enables the device 100 toreach deeper areas of the oral cavity and/or angle the deflecting member110 to capture aerosols. Said another way, the deflecting member isdisposed in a substantial 45° relative to a longitudinal axis spanningthrough a centroid defined by the base channel 132. The cantileveredtooth rest member 124 defines an ejector channel 300 extending from thespherical apex 126 and fluidly coupled to the base channel 132.

FIGS. 10-11 depict several elevational views of the device 100 mountedon an HVE tip 134 with a protuberance 1100. The device 100 can be seenhaving the ejector channel 300 and the base platform 120. The baseplatform 120 may be proportionately sized and shaped to receive aportion of the deflecting member 110. When strategically positioned, thedevice 100 provides an additional artificial shield to slow and deflectthe flow of both liquids and aerosols back into the oral cavity. Inaddition, the device's internal and external design along with its closeproximity to the powerful HVE tube, provides a synergistic combinationto better reduce the escape of aerosols. The deflecting member 110 maybe fully rotatable on the base platform 120 to allow the user toposition the tooth rest member 124 in the ideal position for thedifferent quadrants of the mouth. This feature allows the device 100 tobe stabilized in a way that supports the deflecting member 110 withmaximum exposure toward the point of aerosol generation.

With reference to FIGS. 17-21 , another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in various views. The aerosol deflecting dentalshield and containment device depicted in FIGS. 17-21 depicts many ofthe same features and functionality of the devices depicted in FIGS.1-16 . However, the aerosol deflecting dental shield and containmentdevice depicted in FIGS. 17-21 includes one or more raised protuberances1716 a-n configured to be received within or on one or more recesses1900 a-n, thereby resisting rotational movement of the deflecting member1706 relative to the base platform 1704. Said another way, as thedeflecting member 1706 is configured to rotate, the one or more raisedprotuberances 1716 a-n prevent or inhibit the deflecting member 1706from continuously spinning or inadvertently rotating when suction isapplied within the HVE tip 1700. Representative airflow (and fluid flow)generated from said suction is depicted with arrows in FIG. 21 .

The aerosol deflecting dental shield and containment device still has abase 1702 with a lower free end 1710 and has a base sidewall 1712enclosing and defining a base channel 1800, wherein the HVE tip 1700 isdisposed within the base channel 1800 and coupled to the base sidewall1712 (in a friction configuration or using a protuberance disposed on aninner surface of the base sidewall 712 (as best depicted in FIG. 21 ). Abase platform 1704 can also be seen that radially extends outwardly fromthe base channel 1800 and has an upper surface 1714. Beneficially, thedeflecting member 1706 is rotatably coupled to the base platform 1704,has an upper surface 1718, has a lower surface 1804 opposing the uppersurface 1718 of the deflecting member 1706 and is coupled to the uppersurface 1714 of the base platform 1704 in a recess-protrusionconfiguration to resist rotation movement of the deflecting member 1706relative to the base platform 1704. The deflecting member 1706 defines(at least partially or completely) at least one intake aperture 1722 a-nfluidly coupled to the base channel 1800 and is also operably configuredto rotate at least 180° relative to the base platform 1704. Preferably,the deflecting member 1706 is configured to rotate 360° relative to thebase platform 1704, with some potential resistance from therecess-protrusion configuration. The aerosol deflecting dental shieldand containment device also includes the cantilevered tooth rest member1708 projecting from the upper surface 1718 of the deflecting member1706, wherein the cantilevered tooth rest member 1708 may also defineone of the intake apertures 1722 a-n.

In one embodiment, the deflecting member 1706 includes a locking member1806 extending downwardly away from the lower surface 1804 of thedeflecting member 1706, disposed in the base channel 1800, and having aradial locking flange 1808 coupled to the base sidewall 712. The radiallocking flange 1808 may extend circumferentially around the lockingmember 1806. The locking member 1806 is preferably cylindrical or othershape corresponding to the opening on the base platform 1704 providingaccess to the base channel 1800. The base 1702 and base platform 1704are preferably of a monolithic structure to prevent inadvertentdislodging while in operation.

In one embodiment, one or more, but preferably a plurality of, raisedprotuberance 1716 a-n extend from the upper surface 1714 of the baseplatform 1704, wherein each of the raised protuberance 1716 a-n may spanaround the upper surface of the base platform 1704 and may be tightlyspaced (less than 0.25 in.). Further, one or more, but preferably aplurality of, recesses 1900 n are defined on the lower surface 1804 ofthe deflecting member 1706, wherein the raised protuberance(s) 1716 a-nand the recess(es) 1900 a-n are coupled together in therecess-protrusion configuration to resist rotation movement of thedeflecting member 1706. Said another way, the deflecting member 1706 isnot allowed to have free uninhibited rotation. Said even further, theuser is required to apply at least 0.5 lbf-in torque in order to rotatethe deflecting member 1706 relative to the base platform 1704. In someembodiments, the user is required to selectively raise the deflectingmember 1706 slightly (e.g., 0.1 in.) to remove the protuberance 1716 outof a corresponding recess 1900 and rotate the deflecting member 1706relative to the base platform 1704. The protuberance(s) 1716 a-n and therecess(es) 1900 a-n are also preferably of a corresponding shape and/orsize. The protuberance(s) 1716 a-n and/or the locking member 1806 mayalso enable the proper spacing between the base platform 1704 anddeflecting member 1706 to generate a plurality of recesses 1900 a-n orotherwise enable selective rotation of the deflecting member 1706relative to the base platform 1704.

In some embodiments, the protuberance(s) 1716 a-n define a plurality ofinternal air channels 1722 a-n radially spanning inwardly toward thebase channel 1800 and from outer edges of the base platform 1704 and thedeflecting member 1706, respectively, wherein the plurality of internalair channels 1722 a-n are fluidly coupled to base channel 1800. Theairflow and fluid flow can be best seen in FIG. 21 , wherein the ambientfluid is pulled in through the sides of the base platform 1704 and thedeflecting member 1706, into the plurality of internal air channels 1722a-n, and into the base channel 1800 for evacuation. The plurality ofinternal air channels 1722 a-n may also be fluidly coupled to the intakeaperture(s) 1720, which may be defined centrally on the deflectingmember 1706, on the cantilevered tooth rest member 1708, and/or from thesides of the deflecting member 1706 and the base platform 1704 thatprovide access to the plurality of internal air channels 1722 a-n. Theplurality of raised protuberances 1716 a-n and the plurality of recesses1900 a-n are coupled together in the recess-protrusion configuration toresist rotation movement of the deflecting member 1706 and are of acorresponding shape. Additionally, a base channel diameter 1802 definedby the base channel 1800 and a deflection diameter 2000 defined by outeredges of the deflecting member 1706 may be specially sized such that thedeflection diameter 2000 is at least twice the base channel diameter1802 (to act as a liquid/fluid barrier to the patient).

Each of the components of the aerosol deflecting dental shield andcontainment device described above are preferably of a water-resistantand non-corrosive material, such as a PVC plastic or other polymermaterial, wherein the cantilevered tooth rest member 1708, namely thespherical tip thereon is preferably of an elastic soft materialproviding comfort for patients. Various modifications and additions,however, can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, whilethe embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scopeof this disclosure also includes embodiments having differentcombinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of theabove-described features.

What is claimed is:
 1. In combination with a HVE tip operably configuredto be coupled to an evacuator vacuum-inducing assembly, the improvementcomprising: a base having a lower free end and having a base sidewallenclosing and defining a base channel and with the HVE tip disposedtherein and coupled to the base sidewall; a base platform radiallyextending outwardly from the base channel and having an upper surface; adeflecting member rotatably coupled to the base platform, having anupper surface, having a lower surface opposing the upper surface of thedeflecting member and coupled to the upper surface of the base platformin a recess-protrusion configuration to resist rotation movement of thedeflecting member relative to the base platform, defining at least oneintake aperture fluidly coupled to the base channel, and operablyconfigured to rotate at least 180° relative to the base platform; and acantilevered tooth rest member projecting from the upper surface of thedeflecting member.
 2. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein thedeflecting member further comprises: a locking member extendingdownwardly away from the lower surface of the deflecting member,disposed in the base channel, and having a radial locking flange coupledto the base sidewall.
 3. The improvement according to claim 2, whereinthe deflecting member is operably configured to rotate 360° relative tothe base platform.
 4. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein thebase and base platform are of a monolithic structure and the baseplatform is circular.
 5. The improvement according to claim 1, whereinthe deflecting member is operably configured to rotate 360° relative tothe base platform.
 6. The improvement according to claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one raised protuberance extending from the uppersurface of the base platform; and at least one recess defined on thelower surface of the deflecting member, wherein the at least one raisedprotuberance and the at least one recess are coupled together in therecess-protrusion configuration to resist rotation movement of thedeflecting member.
 7. The improvement according to claim 6, wherein theat least one raised protuberance defines a plurality of internal airchannels radially spanning inwardly toward the base channel and fromouter edges of the base platform and the deflecting member,respectively, wherein the plurality of internal air channels are fluidlycoupled to base channel.
 8. The improvement according to claim 1,further comprising: a plurality of raised protuberances extending fromthe upper surface of the base platform; and a plurality of recessesdefined on the lower surface of the deflecting member, wherein theplurality of raised protuberances and the plurality of recesses arecoupled together in the recess-protrusion configuration to resistrotation movement of the deflecting member and are of a correspondingshape.
 9. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the deflectingmember is of an elastic polymeric material.
 10. The improvementaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a base channel diameterdefined by the base channel; and a deflection diameter defined by outeredges of the deflecting member, wherein the deflection diameter is atleast twice the base channel diameter.
 11. The improvement according toclaim 1, wherein the cantilevered tooth rest member further comprises: aspherical apex disposed at a distal end thereon and of an elasticpolymeric material.
 12. The improvement according to claim 11, whereinthe cantilevered tooth rest member defines an ejector channel extendingfrom the spherical apex and fluidly coupled to the base channel.
 13. Theimprovement according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality ofinternal air channels defined the upper surface of the base platform andthe lower surface of the deflecting member, radially spanning inwardlytoward the base channel and from outer edges of the base platform andthe deflecting member, respectively, and each fluidly coupled to basechannel.
 14. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein thecylindrical base further comprises: a protuberance disposed on an innersurface of the base sidewall that defines the base channel, wherein theprotuberance is disposed in an aperture of the HVE tip and is sized andshaped to retain the cylindrical base to the HVE tip.
 15. An aerosoldeflecting dental shield and containment device comprising: a basehaving a lower free end and having a base sidewall enclosing anddefining a base channel; a base platform radially extending outwardlyfrom the base channel and having an upper surface; a deflecting memberrotatably coupled to the base platform, having an upper surface, havinga lower surface opposing the upper surface of the deflecting member,defining at least one intake aperture fluidly coupled to the basechannel, and operably configured to rotate at least 360° relative to thebase platform; a plurality of internal air channels defined the uppersurface of the base platform and the lower surface of the deflectingmember, radially spanning inwardly toward the base channel and fromouter edges of the base platform and the deflecting member,respectively, and each fluidly coupled to base channel; and acantilevered tooth rest member projecting from the upper surface of thedeflecting member.
 16. The aerosol deflecting dental shield andcontainment device according to claim 15, wherein the lower surface ofthe deflecting member is coupled to the upper surface of the baseplatform in a recess-protrusion configuration to resist rotationmovement of the deflecting member relative to the base platform.
 17. Theaerosol deflecting dental shield and containment device according toclaim 15, wherein the deflecting member further comprises: a lockingmember extending downwardly away from the lower surface of thedeflecting member, disposed in the base channel, and having a radiallocking flange coupled to the base sidewall.
 18. The aerosol deflectingdental shield and containment device according to claim 15, furthercomprising: at least one raised protuberance extending from the uppersurface of the base platform; and at least one recess defined on thelower surface of the deflecting member, wherein the at least one raisedprotuberance and the at least one recess are coupled together in arecess-protrusion configuration to resist rotation movement of thedeflecting member.